Allergic Reaction

Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
They can be breathed into the lungs, swallowed, or injected.

Symptoms of Allergic Reaction :

The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from mild to severe. If you become exposed to an allergen for the first time, your symptoms may be mild. These symptoms may get worse if you repeatedly come into contact with the allergen.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include

Hives (itchy red spots on the skin)

Itching

Nasal congestion (known as rhinitis)

Rash

Scratchy throat

Watery or itchy eyes

Severe allergic reactions can cause the following symptoms

Abdominal cramping or pain

Pain or tightness in the chest

Diarrhe

Difficulty swallowing

Dizziness (vertigo)

Fear or anxiety

Flushing of the face

Nausea or vomiting

Heart palpitations

Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue

Weakness

Wheezing

Difficulty breathing

Unconsciousness

A severe and sudden allergic reaction can develop within seconds after exposure to an allergen. This type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis and results in life-threatening symptoms, including swelling of the airway, inability to breathe, and a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. If you experience this type of allergic reaction, seek immediate emergency help. Without treatment, this condition can result in death within 15 minutes.

The most commonly ordered types of allergy tests are

Skin tests

Challenge (elimination-type) tests

Blood tests

A skin test involves applying a small amount of a suspected allergen to the skin and watching for a reaction. The substance may be taped to the skin (patch test), applied via a small prick to the skin (prick test), or injected just under the skin (intradermal test).

A skin test is most valuable for diagnosing

Food allergy

Mold, pollen, and animal dander allergy

Penicillin allergy

Venom allergy (such as mosquito bites or bee stings)

Allergic contact dermatitis (a rash you get from touching a substance)

Challenge testing is useful in diagnosing food allergies. It involves removing a food from your diet for Several weeks and watching for symptoms when you eat the food again.

A blood test for an allergy checks your blood for antibodies against a possible allergen. An antibody is a protein your body produces to fight harmful substances. Blood tests are an option when skin testing isn’t helpful or possible.
Prevent an Allergic Reaction

Once you identify your allergy, you can:

Avoid exposure to the allergen.

Seek medical care if you are exposed to the allergen.

Carry medications to treat anaphylaxis.

You may not be able to avoid an allergic reaction completely, but these steps can help you to prevent future allergic reactions.